I own a small business and want to become more committed to becoming "Green."?

Question

I know the basics, such as recycling print cartridges, CFL bulbs, purchasing recycled paper, etc. Can someone give me more tips and suggest good information resources?

Answer 1

Just make sure those CFL bulbs are taken to a hazardous waste disposal company and not just tossed in the trash when they die. They contain mercury, ya know?

Oh, and if one of them accidentally breaks, be sure to contact your local EPA representative so he can shut down your business, make you pay to dig up all the soil under your store, so the mercury can be properly disposed of.

Answer 2

manage heating and cooling costs

install motion censor light switches so lights turn off when no ones in the room

not only buy recycled paper but recycle the paper you do use

implement electronic signatures

pay your bills online and offer e-payment to your customers

have recycling bins for employee's cans/bottles, etc.

stock your lunch room with re-usable dishes to discourage disposables

find a green cleaning company that uses natural products

encourage carpooling or mass transit - maybe have an incentive program

ask employees to shut down computers at night

Have a signature message on emails like "Please think green, don't print this email"

stop buying scratch pads - you could probably make your own out of waste paper

Do an audit, see if there's electronics that aren't needed, see what's in the trash - what gets thrown out and does it need to be there?

Depending on your business there may be other things you can do as far as making your operations and product more green as well.

Answer 3

I'm not sure what type of business you have, but I can suggest some websites. Here are some of my ideas: use a water filter instead of buying bottled water, of course there's buy in bulk, but you can also recycle your cell phones or donate your computers to a E-waste facility and then you can make your own cleaning products. You can also try some of these websites...cbeyond.net or thinkgreen.com or nrdc.org. Then sometimes you could probably order eco-friendly printers and supplies from xerox or hp or other suppliers. Sorry this answer is so long, but I hope it helps. Good Luck withi your business and going GREEN!!! I think that's awesome!!

Fellow Tree Hugger,

Daizee-Mae

www.youravon.com/dianahensley

Answer 4

You can inspire other people to go green. In that way your efforts would be multiplied and it would be good for your business as well..

Check this article for ideas and links:

Answer 5

If I knew what type of business you had I may be able to give more suggestions. The few things that are common in most businesses are an office building, transportation and communication.

Building, make sure it is energy efficient, shut things off when not in use. Try to have a single printer that will work with all computers, shut it off when not in use. Battery back ups can be turned off when the computer is shut down. Adjust your thermostat. You can check with your utility and see if they have a green energy program. Add a few house plants to improve indoor air quality. Reduce waste.

Transportation. Order office supplies online and avoid driving when possible. Use fuel efficient vehicles. Encourage public trasportation for employees.

Communication. Use paperless when possible. Get off the junk mail lists. I put a link in the source.

Answer 6

There is a company that sells cleaners and other types of products you might use in your co. that has always been committed to NOT polluting the environment and packaging in a very efficient manner (everything is very concentrated).  Let me know if you'd like to know more about them.  http://saferisbetter.com/PamJM

Answer 7

Here's a big one that hopefully will work for you - buy a car that runs on natural gas (methane). Cleaner for the environment and cheaper to fill up; best of both worlds. Some states also give tax credits, too. I have 2 of them and they're great cars! Check out my sources and see if one would work out for you in your area.  

Answer 8

Hiya sir. Bravo! Depending on the type of business you run, you may be able to completely avoid paper altogether, it really is unnecessary with today's technology....I work for a very very very large bank that offers tons of products, and we are virtually paperless. It is so much more efficient as well :)  good luck!

Answer 9

Did you Know?

*A normal PC uses about 70 watts when switched on (like a powerful light bulb).

*You can help a busy or stressed colleague to contribute to our environmental targets by switching off lights in her office, if she has left for a meeting or the canteen but has inadvertently left the lights on?

*A 1000 km flight (From Copenhagen to Brussels for example) emits on average 130 kg CO2 per person?

*The fuller the plane, the smaller the amount of emissions per person. Try sticking to major routes and use cheaper tickets to reduce your carbon footprint during business travel.

What can you do?

*Green commuting is one of the greenest ways to travel to work. *Arrange an office carpool or group bike commute. For deliveries, if your business demands it, you can use electric vans or battery operated vehicles.

*Green energy helps no matter what business you are in. Switch your electricity supply from carbon fuels to clean energy such as wind or solar power.

*Green building is another way to ensure that the design, plan and construction of your workplace emphasise the current and future environmental impact of the building.

*Green roof insulates a building from heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer. It also helps absorb pollution in urban areas, and reduce rainwater run-off.

*Green workwear ideally involves clothes made with organic or recycled fibers. Also avoid garments that need dry-cleaning, or involve plastic materials.

These are some informations I found. Some might or might not be doable. But don't sweat. Being aware that you need to do something is the first inportant step in this direction. All the best!